Native to the high plateaus of Tibet and the bordering regions of Yunnan and Sichuan, between 4,000 and 5,500 meters in altitude. Forms extremely dense and compact cushions, almost rigid, composed of tiny, very tight rosettes covered with a whitish felt. The name tapete ("carpet") perfectly evokes the appearance of these low and uniform cushions.
The very small white to pinkish flowers are sessile or almost sessile on the cushion.
One of the most difficult cushion androsaces to cultivate, requiring perfect drainage and protection from winter moisture.